The Importance of Following Up After the Sales Job Interview

It takes a lot of time and effort for sales managers to recruit and find really good sales talent. If you are looking for a sales job, and you are serious about getting a sales job offer, be sure to do the basic important steps that sales managers as well as the HR person look for as you are in the selection process. Look at it this way, if you are going to take the time to prepare for an interview and to take the time out of your day to spend interviewing, you want to follow up and follow through after your sales job interview.

I have seen it many times where a viable candidate is then put into question because their follow up after the interview is very slow or delayed. Now we all understand that we are busy, but you are trying to sell yourself for the job and how you follow up is an indication of how you might follow up with the company’s clients. I have had great candidates follow up 3 days after the interview. The worst I have seen is a consistent delay in email and phone communications. When I experience a delay or lack of interest in the candidate from getting these delays, I then start to question the candidate.

If you want the sales job, you want to limit your risk to the hiring sales manager and to the company. Your goal is to clearly show you are interested and practice basic business skills such as following up. Many people I coach have asked me, “how long should I wait until sending a thank you or follow up message?” I say, ASAP, but ensure that you put some thought into the message. If the hiring sales manager communicates with you, be sure to keep an eye on your email or voice message and get back within the same day.

In the age of smart phones and access to email from virtually anywhere, there isn’t an excuse for poor communication and follow up. A smart candidate might also keep them fresh in the mind of the hiring sales manager by being proactive and calling or communicating with them directly by letting them know that you are still very interested in the position and to ask for an update with the opportunity. I have chosen to go with a candidate that show this level of interest, because when i am evaluating all candidates, I want to know who truly wants the job and who are just pursuing the job because it was available.

Do yourself a favor and if you are pursuing a job, take it serious and stay on top of your communications and follow up. It might cost you the job offer or if done correctly, might put you as the front runner.